Rob Lowe wants to reprise his iconic 9-1-1: Lone Star but with a major twist

Promotional poster 9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX
Promotional poster 9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX

9-1-1: Lone Star always had a different kind of atmosphere. It wasn’t just about emergencies or flashing lights. There was something deeper, something more personal, almost like the characters had lives outside the screen. And Owen Strand, played by Rob Lowe, was the emotional anchor of it all.

In the final episode, everything kind of collapsed. It looked like the end. Owen was caught in a nuclear disaster, the kind of exit that doesn’t leave room for much more. But then came that quiet twist. He survived. Took on a new position in New York. It happened quickly, almost in passing, but it left the door slightly open. And now, that door might swing all the way back.


A return to 9-1-1: Lone Star, just not how anyone expected

Rob Lowe said he’s open to coming back. But not in the same way. This time, he could show up in 9-1-1: Nashville, the new spin-off that hasn’t even aired yet. The idea of seeing Owen again, just not in Austin, sounds a bit off at first... but somehow it works. In a way that’s hard to explain.

What makes it even more interesting is that Nashville is produced by Chad Lowe, Rob’s real-life brother. There’s a personal link here. A bit of behind-the-scenes symmetry that adds warmth to the possibility. Like this comeback wouldn’t just be about the show, but also about family.


Why 9-1-1: Lone Star viewers still carry Owen Strand with them

Owen wasn’t perfect. Far from it. Maybe that’s why he stood out so much. He was sharp and protective, but also uncertain, tired, broken in places he never talked about. He didn’t walk around acting like a classic hero. He was trying. Holding things together while falling apart.

Across 9-1-1: Lone Star, there were small moments that stuck. A gesture, a quiet scene, the way he looked at his son. The silences between the actions. He had this presence. Not loud. But solid. Familiar, somehow.

9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX
9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX

Nashville might become 9-1-1: Lone Star’s spiritual sequel

9-1-1: Nashville already feels different. Chris O’Donnell is set to lead, playing a seasoned firefighter working alongside his son. Nashville brings a new rhythm. The music, the heat, the energy… It’s not Austin, and that’s the point.

The cast is already strong. LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley… names that carry weight. And with Tim Minear and Ryan Murphy behind it, this isn’t going to be just another rescue drama. There’s something else brewing here. A place that could hold a man like Owen, if only for a moment.


A soft return for 9-1-1: Lone Star through familiar faces

Nothing has been confirmed. Rob said he’s just waiting for the call. But the opening is there. The creators have hinted that characters from the show might reappear. Gina Torres, for instance, could be among the first.

There’s something soft and meaningful about that kind of return. Not loud. Not showy. Just the idea that a story doesn’t have to close completely. That someone could walk in from the past and still belong. Even in a new city, a new firehouse, a new tempo.

9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX
9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX

Holding on to what 9-1-1: Lone Star gave

This isn’t just about bringing back a fan favorite. It’s about what Owen represents. He’s been through losses, diagnoses, and personal collapse. And still, he gets back up. Having that kind of character crossover into a new show says something. That some journeys don’t end when the credits roll.

And knowing there’s a real-life bond behind the scenes, with Chad producing and Rob possibly returning… that gives it more heart. A kind of quiet poetry in motion.


What’s next for 9-1-1: Lone Star fans

Nashville is expected to premiere sometime in fall 2025. No exact date yet, but things are moving. And the idea of Owen walking into that new world, even briefly, is starting to pick up interest.

It’s not the kind of thing to obsess over. It’s more like a soft hope. Something small but comforting to hold onto.

9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX
9-1-1: Lone Star | Image via FOX

A farewell that still echoes

If Owen Strand does show up in 9-1-1: Nashville, even just for one scene, it’ll be more than a callback. It’ll be a nod to the stories that don’t let go easily. A gesture to the ones that still live quietly in memory.

Not everything needs to make perfect sense. Sometimes, just knowing there's room for a return is enough.

Edited by Sohini Biswas